Cameo 3 - a new arrival

Today I have welcomed a new baby into our home. I thought you might like a quick peek at some photos. She's so pretty!

The Cameo 3 is a little wider and a little deeper than the Cameo 1 (I don't have a Cameo 2 to compare it with).

 

This is what comes in the box, including that self adjusting blade.

I was reminded to follow the set up instructions that have been published online on the Silhouette America website to get your machine up and running. The address is on that big teal label in the first picture. You have the opportunity to register your machine and it takes you through the order in which you should do things.

Installation went smoothly, I won't bore you with details, but this is my first cut on my favourite cutting and printing cardstock (medium weight).

This was cut with that self adjusting blade. I used the recommended settings for cardstock, although I'd have set it deeper and with more pressure on my old machine. However, it cut beautifully - no complaints!  Now I need to go off and play! 

Are you planning to purchase a Cameo 3? Have you got one? What are your first impressions? Do post comments ... I'd love to hear how you get on.

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Hello Card using the FREE Design of the Week

Hiya - here's a pretty card using this week's free design of the week from the Silhouette store - the  Hello phrase: Design id #145991). I mixed it up with another file from the store, the Floral Congrats card from Jennifer Wambach and an extra word made from the Grassy Meadow font by Sweet Elsie. This one is all about the dimension!

WHAT I USED:
Silhouette Cameo/Portrait
White Cardstock (cover weight)
White Cardstock (printable weight)
Black Cardstock
Card Adhesive
Adhesive foam tape
Glossy Accents
Clear Wink of Stella pen
Grassy Meadow Font Download (#119456)
Hello File Download (#145991)
Floral Congrats 5 x 7 Card (#145256)


Here are my construction steps:

• Open the Congrats card in the Silhouette Design software and resize all to approximately 5.5" x 7.7"
• Make a card blank to fit
• Open the Hello file and copy in the flowers from the Congrats card
• Write the word 'friend' in Grassy Meadow font
• Make up a print and cut sheet with the 'Hello" letters, flowers, centres and friend word, making duplicates as required (and some extras for insurance)

• Cut and Print and Cut all pieces
• Assemble layering friend pieces and flowers.
• Use a guide to align the 'Hello' letters (see my Perfect Letter Placement post for more tips) using foam tape for some dimension

• Attach everything with card glue and add some glitter to the petals and centres with the Wink of Stella pen
• Finish with some Glossy Accents in the flower centres.
• Job done!

The Hello phrase  is available free in the Silhouette Design store for one week from 17th August 2016.

I hope you like this one.

Pencil Door Sign for a Teacher Gift

Today I'd like to share a layered paper crafting project with you using the Pencil Monogram svg cutting file from Sanqunetti Design. I used the file to make a dimensional door hanger which would make a great back to school or teacher gift.

STEP 1: Colour the File
I coloured all the pattern pieces in accordance with the accompanying jpg file; necessary because, in the current version of the Silhouette software, SVGs from certain design software display in black. I opened the jpg version in the design window and use the colour picker (eye dropper) to 'copy' the colours onto the svg.

STEP 2: Adapt the Monogram
Instead of adding a monogram I added text using Laura Worthington's Ed's Market font.

STEP 3: Preparing the item for hanging

I made an offset of the entire pencil to cut from heavy-weight card to provide a strong backing for hanging the item. Then I made matching holes in the eraser end (pink) and the backing piece to provide attachment points for the hanging ribbon.

STEP 4: I set up a print and cut page for the monogram piece and 2 copies of the backing piece to print on the printer and then cut on the Silhouette.

STEP 5: I cut the remainder of the pieces from the appropriate colours of American Crafts textured card stock, and the bow centre and wording from vinyl (the colour of the printed version had turned out to be a poor match). The centre of the pencil was abandoned in favour of score lines and dimensional sticky pads. The other pieces and layers were adhered using liquid 3-in-1 paper glue. 

STEP 6: It then only remained to tie on a matching ribbon and to adhere the bow.

Variation: With the addition of an extra hole, a set of matching card pieces to form a back cover, some pages and three hinge rings, this same svg file could easily be transformed into a great little album for school photos.

The file is available now from the Sanqunetti Design store. 

I think it looks quite cute. I hope you like it too.